Custodial and non-custodial forensic mental health services in Australia – A descriptive analysis of combined data provided to the Australian institute of health and welfare

Abstract

Objective

To investigate recent trends in forensic mental health services (FMHS) in Australia using Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data.

Method

Descriptive analyses of National Mental Health Establishments Database data. Our analysis examined expenditure, outcomes and Key performance indicators.

Results

Between 2017–18 and 2021–22, FMHS expenditure grew at 2% annually, matching child and adolescent services but exceeding general adult and older persons MHS. Australia had fewer forensic beds per 100,000 population than some European benchmarks. FMHS showed reductions in some restrictive practices, particularly physical restraint, but maintained high seclusion rates. FMHS recorded higher community treatment days per care period than other subspeciality services.

Conclusions

Modest FMHS expenditure increases raise concerns about service adequacy. Future research should examine relationships between mental health funding, FMHS delivery models and criminal justice outcomes.